Method and apparatus for handling tubular textile fabric



Feb. 3, 1931. s. COHN METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING TUBULAR TEXTILE FABRIC 5 Sheets-Sheet I 7 Filed March '7. 1929 INVENTOR M ATTORNEYS S. COHN Feb. 3, 1931.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING TUBULAR TEXTILE FABRIC Filed March '7, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet '2 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Feb. 3, 1931. 5 co 1,790,655

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING TUBULAR TEXTILE FABRIC 7 Filed March 7, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR JQMM 60A ATTORNEY;

Feb, 3, 1931. s. con-m 1,?QQ655 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING TUBULAR-TEXTILE FABRIC Filed March '7, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Feb. 3, 1931. a HN 1,790,655

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING TUBULAR TEXTILE FABRIC Filed March 7, 1929 s Sheets-Sheet 5 ra 7g 6/ INVENTOR ATTORN EYS Patented Fa. 3, 1931 UNITED STATES SAMUEL OOH N, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING TUBULAIR TEXTILE FABRIC Application am March 7-, 1929. Serial No. 345,180.

This invention relates to the handling of tubular textile fabric, either woven or knitted, and particularly to a method and apparatus whereby handling is facilitated and the quality and other characteristics of the fabric are improved. While it is adapted for use in the treatment of silk, cotton or wool fabrics in tubular form, the invention is especially applicable to the handling of knitted rayon,

10 the latter fabric being unusuall fragile when saturated with liquid and sub ect to shrinkage or deformation. 1

In handling fabrics after dyeing,- it has been the universal practice to treat the fabric in rope form or to spread it roughly by hand.

Thus it is usual to remove water in centrifugals and to dry the fabric without attempting to remove the wrinkles. The fabric is conveyed in a rough dry condition to the finishing machine where it is steamed and mangl to give it a commercial finish. The severa operations involve repeated handling of the goods in a wet or moist condition with the consequent possibility of defacing or distorting it.

dling of fabrics is the loss due to shrinkage which is especially marked in knitted rayon. The shrinkage loss in finishing is indefinite in amount, and no method of controlling it has been available. i 4

Shrinkage affects the width as well as the length of the goods. This is particularly true of tubular fabrics and is atthe same time especially objectionablebecause such fabrics are generally made into garments which, of course, cannot be properly out if the fabric does not conform to standards of width. Another difficulty in the handling of,fabrics arises from the fact that afterremoval of the major part of the water, they are frequently rolled or folded in a moist condition and held for periods of one to twenty-fourv hours before drying. This is necessary because drying is a slower operation than dehydration in. centrifugals and similar apparatus. When goods are stored in a moist condition, even temporarily, the edges or other exposed portions dry out and oxidation or other change may affect the dye at the exposed scribed have not been available.

An even more important factor in the hanportions of the fabric. The result is streaks or discoloration which cannot be removed.

Furthermore the ordinary treatment to which fabrics are subjected prior to finishing reduces the ultimate strength of the fibres of which they are composed. The uneven stresses to which the fabric is'subjected distort it and often cause serious defects therein.

The repeated handling increases the chances I of soiling and tearing the fabric. It involves also a very considerable'labor cost, much of which is unnecessary.

These and other disadvantages are the unavoidable result of a procedure which is ill adapted to the character of the material treated and which has survived because-the improved method and apparatus hereinafter do.-

It is the primary. object of the present invention to provide a; method and apparatus which avoid the difficulties and disadvantages of the procedure heretofore followed and especially to simplify and reduce the labor costsv incident to the treatment of fabrics, to overcome shrinkage both lateral and longitudinal, to strengthen the fabric, to

prevent soiling and deformation and to permit storage of the fabric in a moist condition without danger of discoloration owing to premature drying of the exposed edges. 7

It is characteristic of most fibres that shrinkage of fabric made therefrom occurs when the fabric is dried after saturation with water. For the purpose of the present invention the fabric is regarded as wet or saturated if it contains approximately 25% or more by weight of water based upon the dry weight of the fabric. The fibres are ductile,

and I. have discovered if the fabric is stretched while wet and subjected in that condition to heavy pressure the fibres are definitely elongated and permanently fixed so that if the fabric is again saturated and dried no substantial shrinkage occurs. It is possi- :ble consequently to secure higher yields in.

terms of yardage per pound of fibre used. Thus I am able to treat fabrics and-to deliver to the consumer a yardage greater than has been possible with methods heretofore in use.

The same advantage is obtained with-rebe stretched also in the transverse direction. The fabric may be given, therefore, a definite Width which will not be altered subsequently to any substantial extent even by repeated saturation and drying. The original sizes of garments made from the fabric will be retained, therefore, throughout the life of the fabric.

Since Wet fabrics and especially knitted rayon fabrics are extremely delicate, the stretching of the fabric and the tension to which it is subjec'tedfor that purpose must be carefully determined and controlled. The tension must be applied uniformly to all portions of the fabric. This is a matter of considerable difficulty in the case of tubular fabrics and consequently it has not been possible heretofore to subject fabrics of this class to uniform tension and stretching.

I have overcome the difiiculty by propelling the fabric by rolling contact with the major portion thereof so that the fabric advances evenly and without subjecting any part to stress which would tear or distort it. In fact, the movement is so uniform that the wales in knitted fabric are maintained parallel and straight.

This is accomplished by the application of a propeller hereinafter more fully described but embodying spaced rolls driven at a pre determined rate and cooperating with a floating stretcherframe enclosed within the tubular fabric and having rolls which are rotated by contact through the fabric with the spaced driven rolls. The tubular fabric is distended to the desired amount depending upon the initial and desired width by lateral adjustment of complementary parts of the frame. Rollers, which are positively driven to afford a peripheral speed preferably slightly higher than that of the spaced dxiv- 'ing rolls, co-operate with idler rolls outside the fabric at the lateral edges of the frame. Hence both the top and bottom as well as the sides of the tubular fabric advance at the predetermined rate. The fabric is initially opened by a spreader which is sized in accordance with the width of fabric treated and is interchangeable with spreaders of varying dimensions to co operate properly with the propeller. The spreader ofi'ers substantially no resistance to the fabric, friction being easily overcome by the uniform pull of the propeller.

The fabric thus fed or propelled at a uniform rate may be subjected to various opera-- tions, but in the present instance I am more particularly concerned with theremoval of most of the water. For this purpose I employ, preferably, wringer rolls having a hard surface. The hardness should be such as to prevent substantial deformation of the rolls under the pressure of heavy springs.

It has not been practicable heretofogre to employ hard rolls with heavy pressure inwringers employed in removing water from delicate fabrics because any wrinkle in the fabric, presenting a plurality of thicknesses, would cause the fabric to be out or weakened. Soft rolls, such as are customarily used in wringers, do not remove sufiicient water, hence the use of centrifugals.

If, however, the fabric is fed or propelled in a distended condition and under tension to the wringer, all wrinkles are avoided. The fabric is absolutely flat and can be subjected to any desired degree of pressure between the hard rolls. In fact, heavy pressure is desirable since it fixes or sets the fabric in its stretched condition and actually strengthens the fibres and the fabric. At the same time, the wringer removes a large proportion of the water and prevents the formation of moir effects and other discolorations which result from the uneven elimination of soapy water under the ordinary treatment heretofore employed.

To effect the stretching of the fabric in the direction of its length a suitable tension is maintained in-the fabric between the pro- ,peller and the wringer rollers. The tension is maintained by a difi'erential in speed of the fabric at the rolls of the propeller and wringer. This is efiected by driving the wringer rolls to give the fabric a definite linear speed at the bight of the rolls and by similarly driving the rolls of the propeller so that thefabric is fed at slightly lower speed. The tension must be varied depending upon the particular fabric which is treated and should be adjusted to give the required stretch to the fabric. Provision may be made, therefore, to vary the speed of the propeller rolls, forexample. Thus any desired diflerential may be maintained with a corresponding longitudinal tension on p cation of heavy pressure by the hard surface of the rolls. The fab-ric leaves the wringer as a flattened tube, flat and free from wrinkles and vquitedry. It may be folded or preferably rolled on a mandrel andthereafter sub-- jected to further treatment to dry and finish. the fabric, or it. may be delivered directly to the drying or finishing machine.

If the fabricis rolled or folded in a damp condition to. await further treatment, difficulty might resultfrom premature drying of the edges. This is avoided readily, however,

by slightl crowning one or both of the" wringer ro ls. Thus the'pre ssure on the fabric at the center isslightly greater than atthe edges and the pressure may be adjusted so as to leave at the edges a slight surplus of moisture. I Thus if the roll of fabric stands for a period of twenty-four hours oreven more the edges will remain sufliciently moist to prevent discoloration by premature drying. The amount of crowning necessary to accomplish my purpose is very slight and is plus water in the edges of the fabric prevents premature drying. Oxidation or stain ing is thus avoided.

It will be understood that the fabric in rope form from the dye vats or other treating apparatus can, in a single operation, be substantially freed from water, the water being removed so as to leave no marks or discolorations, smoothed and wound, if desired, on a mandrel which facilitates the subsequent handling. At the same time, the fabric is stretched both laterally and longitudinally. The fabric acquires a permanent set in the dimensions to which it-is stretched and those dimensions are not affected to any substantial degree by any subsequent treatment of the fabric.

While the invention as herein set forth is concerned primarily with the removal of water, the principles may beapplied to other;

.- operations. Thus the ropelleror a plurality of propellers may e employed to feed frames wherethe fabric over suitable drying h ot air or ot er on the fabric is subjected to drying medium. Similar the fabric may ropelled. and fed to eated rolls and. sub ected' intermediatel to steaming. The heated rolls iron and ni'sh the fabric. It ma be wound directly on a mandrel.

hrou bout the treatment of thefabric after it eavesthe wringer rolls it maybe .wound in rolls so that only. the edges and outsidelayer are exposed; These nay be protected easily and since there is no'necessity for the operator to touch the fabric, the possibility of soiling itis nullified.

The procedure in fact affords a markedsaving in material and in-labor and assures the production of a product of the highest quality at the minimum cost.- The saving accomplished by stretching the fabric is particularly marked and when considered in re lation to the high value of the fabric and the enormous ardage, produced this advantage alone is su cient to ensure the replacement of methods heretofore in use.

The method of this invention is not restricted to any particular apparatus. Nevertheless I have illustrated in the accompanying drawing an embodiment of the invention in a machine which is adapted to accomplish the various objects.

In the drawing,

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section througli a machine embodying ferred form,

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the machine, Fig. .3 is a detail in section of the mechanism for changing the speed of the propeller,

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 44 of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the machine, Fig. 6 is a plan view of the propeller show-- ing the head in contracted form for relatively narrow fabric,

Fig. 7 is a similar view showing the promy invention in the pre peller extended to correspond with a much I wider fabric,

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line Fig. 12 is a detail view showing in elevation the device for carrying forward the leading edge of the fabric into the bight of the'rollers,

Fig. 13 is a similar view of the same parts in a position to guide the fabric into the bight of the rollers,

, Fig. 14 is a view similar to Figs. 12 and 13 showing another position of the parts, q

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of one of the side members for carrying forward the leadin edge of the fabric,

ig. 16 is a detail in section showing the latch, and

Fig. 17.

roller.

Referring to the drawing, the machine rests on a base 1. It includes a frame-consisting of supports 2 and 3 which are connected by 's a sectional view of the wind-up beams 4. Brackets 5 are supported on the frame and a roller 6 is journalled in the brackets and serves as a support for the spreadingbar hereinafter described. A ring 7 on a bracket 8 guides the material. into the machine. A- pair of rollers 9 in parallel spaced relation are supportedby shafts 10 which are journalled in the frame. These rollers co-operate with the propeller as hereinafter described.

The machineis driven through a belt 11 or other suitable driving connection from any source of, power. The belt engages a pulley 12 on a shaft 13 carrying a sprocket 14. A chain 15 connects the sprocket 14 'to a sprocket" i 16 on a shaft 17 journalled in the frame of the machine. A sprocket 18 on the shaft 17 is connected by a chain 19 to a sprocket 20 on a stub shaft 21. The latter shaft carries a gear 22 which meshes with a pinion 23 mounted on a stud 24' which is mpvable in a slot 25 of an arm 26 pivoted on the shaft 21. The arm 26 is provided with a handle 27 and is slotted at 28 to receive a'bolt 29 secured in the frame of the machine. Thus the arm may belocked in any desired position, and when released may be moved by the operator to disengage the pinion 23 from a gear 30 on the lower shaft 10. The shafts l0 carry meshing gears 31 so that they rotate in opposite directions at the same peripheral speed. The gear 30 is removable and a gear having a different number of teeth to which longitudinal bars 32 are secured,

these bars extending inwardly toward the central portion of the propellerwand overlapping so that the end bars or plates 32 may be moved toward and from each other to contract or expand the propeller. Two rollers 33 are mounted on each ofthe end plates .32 to drivethe tubular fabric which is distended over the propeller, and stripper bars 34 are provided at the ends of the propeller to avoid entangling the fabric in the mechanism.

Four transverse rollers. are supported in the propeller, the rollers being composed-respectively of sections 35and 36 having short shafts 37 journalled at their outer ends in the end plates 32. The innerends of the shafts 37 are journalled infplates 38. A rod 39 on one of the end plates 32 telescopes within a tube 40 on the other end plate and a compression springe4l surrounds the tube .and rod and tends to spread the end plates asindicated in Fig. 7. In Fig. 5, the prope'ller is illustrated in its contracted position corresponding to the smallest size of tubular fabric which may be treated in the machine. In this position the ends of the -several sections .35 and 36 of the transverse rollers are contiguous, and the bars 32' of the frame overlap to a considerable extent.

In Fig. 7 the propeller is expanded so that the sections 35 and 36 of the several transverse rollers are spread apart with their opposed ends separated.

The end rollers 33 are connected to and adapted to be driven from the sections 35 and 36 .of the transverse rollers through bevel gears 42 connecting the shafts of the several rollers. Thus when the transverse rollers are driven by co-operationwith the rollers Si -the end rollers 33 are likewise driven at a uniform and predeterminedperipheral speed to propel the fabric without distorting or subjecting it to uneven strains. It is desirable that the peripheral speed of the end rollers 33 slightly exceed that of the transverse rollers, and the gear ratio may be such as to effect this result. Lagging and possible distortion of the fabricat the edges isthus avoided.

The fabric 43 as it appr oaches the propeller passes over a wire frame 44 which opens the fabric initially. The wire frame 44 is bent to a U-shape and the ends are turned and inserted in apertures in a cross bar 45. This cross bar is provided with circumferential grooves 46. The bar 45 is adapted to be inserted in sockets 47 of brackets 48 which engage the circumferential grooves 46. The bar 45 holds the frame 44 in proper alignment with the sections 35 and 36 of the transverse rollers. If .the fabric is to be expanded to a 20" width for example, the spread of the wire frame will correspond to this width and the grooves 46 in the bar 45 will be so positioned that when they are engaged in the brackets 48 the frame of the propeller. will be looked against expansion and contraction. The propeller will be adjusted then so as to distend the fabric to the desired extent, that is to say, so that the fabric when flattened will have a Widthof 20". If-a wider fabric is to be treated,' ;the wire frame is removed and another of proper size is substituted. The latter willhave grooves 46 adapted to lock the sections of the propeller in a new position which will ensure distension of the fabric' to the required size.

011 parallel rods 49 mounted between the frame members of-the machine I provide two traveling blocks 50 and 51 each with a central opening to receive a threaded shaft 52 which is 'journalled in the frame of the machine and is provided at one end with a hand wheel 53. This shaft is provided at one end with a right-hand thread 54 and at the other with a left-hand thread 55,- the openings in the respective blocks 50 and 51 having corresponding internal threads. Upwardly extending rods 56 on each of the blocks 50 and 51 carry idle rollers 57 which are adapted to press the fabric against the end rollers 33 of the propeller to ensure suflicient traction so that the sides of the fabric are propelled positively and uniformly and at a uniform speed with the remainder of the fabric. By operating the hand wheel 153-to peller. When the hand wheel is turned in the opposite direction, the blocks 50 and 51 are moved apart to separate them from the end rollers 33 so that the fabric may be placed about the propeller.

After passing over the propeller the fabric engages guide rollers 58 which are mounted on arms 59 attached by brackets 60 to the longitudinal bars 32 at the delivery end of the propeller. These guide rollers 58 hold the fabric distended in the form of a flattened tube and guide it in this condition up to a point close to the bight of the wringer rollers hereinafter described. The guide rollers 58 do not come into contact with the.

wringer rollers and do not, therefore, injure the fabric.

The wringer rollers 61 are supported in brackets 62 attached to the side frame of the machine. The upper roller is driven by the shaft 17, and gears 61 connect the rollers so that they are both positively driven. The

upper roller is adapted to be pressed. clownwardly by means of screws 63 which engage springs 64, the latter resting in the bearing blocks of the upper wringer rollers. Thus the pressure of the wringer rollers may be adjusted by turning hand wheels 65 on the screws 63. The springs are sufiiciently heavy to exert a considerable pressure uponthe fabric as it passes through the wringer rolls to ensure the maximum removal of water from the fabric. 1 I prefer to employ a springpressure of from 1000 to 3000 pounds at each hearing.

The wringer rollers may be made of any suitable material, but for the purpose of the present invention I prefer to-employ hard rubber, that is to say rubber vulcanized to the point at which it will exert a substantially non-yielding pressure. 'Rubber having a hardness indicated by a durometer reading of from 90 to 100, preferably 98 or 99, is

best adapted to accomplish the object of the invention. Such rollers are contrasted with the ordinary soft rubber rollers which are employed ordinarily in wringers. They are adapted toapply high pressure to the fabric under the influence of the heavy springs-64 and thus to remove the maximum amountof IDOiStllI'G from the fabric; As hereinbefore' are made slightly larger at the middle portions and are tapered at each end so that when these rollers are in contact witheach otherthey touch at their middle portions and are in very slight contact or slightly the middle. I

spaced at the ends. The amount of crowning may bevery slight, that is to saythe diameter of the ends may be only a few thousandths of an inch less than the diameter of I refer to crown both rollers, but the object o the invention can be attained by employing one crowned roller co-operating with a cylindrical roller. In Fig. 11 of .the drawing the crowning is greatly exaggerends will not dry quickly and consequently there will be no discoloration of the fabric at the exposed edges.

In the apparatus as so far described, the fabric 43 is distended over the propeller, is propelled thereby toward the wringer rollers, and is engaged by the wringer rollers and subjected to pressure for the purpose of removing water. erally and is maintained in a stretched condition by the rollers 58 until it enters the bight of the wringerrollers. An important feature of the invention is that the fabric is subjected to longitudinal as, well as lateral tension between the propeller and the wringer rollers. It is engaged positively by both the propeller and the wringer rollers and cannot slip. Consequently it is possible to malntain a definite tension on the fabric and thus to stretch it to thedesired extent.

The fabric is stretched-lat- The stretching is accomplished by 'differential linear speed of the fabric at the propeller and at the wringer rollers. This differential is maintained by synchronizing the peripheral speed of the rollers of the propeller and wringer. Thus, for example,

if the propeller is set to ropel the fabric ata linear speed of 29 yar s per minute and the wringer rollers are set to propel the fabrid at a linear speed of 0 yards per minute, the fabric will be stretched accord- .ingly and uniformly while, it is in a wet or saturated condition. It will also be held distended to a uniform width until the moisture is extracted'by the wringer rollers.

The pressure exerted upon the fabric between the wringer rollers to extract a large percentage of t e moisture while the fabric is under tension fixes orsets the position will be permanent, that is to say, after the treatment, whenever;the fabric is free the 'of each stitch in the fabric, and this position regulating the tension on the fabric while it is in the moistened condition and by extracting the moisture while it is still held under lateral and longitudinal tension it is possible to set the tension between the several stitches so that the tube when it emerges from the machine will have a greater or less yield as desired, that is to say, a definite number of yards per pound within certain physical limits of the fabric.

The stretching effected between the spreading device and the wringer rollers is possible because of the physical property inherent in every fibre to a greater or less degree called ductility. Tension between the propeller and the wringer rollers results in elognation of the fibres. The fabric stretched and elongated while wet passes into the wringer rollers. Because of the flat and attenuated condition of the fabric, the great pressure exerted by the hard rollers, and the simultaneous removal of the greater part of the water, the condition of the fibres composing the fabric is set and the fibres remain in their new and extended relation throughout all subsequent treatment of the fabric.

' The result is that shrinkage is decreased to a minimum. The elasticity of the fibre is reduced because of the elongation, and the ability of the fibre to return to its original normal length is decreased to an extent which substantially aviods subsequent shrinkage.

The elongation effected is variable and can be induced to a greater or less degree, depending upon the type of fibre and the amount of stretching desired. This permits control of,

' yield Yield means that for a definite width of a given cloth there is a given number of yards per pound. In the method described the yield can be materially increased and it can be controlled so that a definite ratio of yardage, width and weight is possi 1e.

It will be understood that in the practice of the invention the amount of stretch to which the fabric is subjected .will be varied depending upon the particular characteristics of the fabric. Consequently the peripheral speed of the propeller rolls will be adjusted so as to feed the fabric at the required rate, that is to say at a. linear speed proportionally lower than the linear speed of the fabric at the wringer rolls, thus providing the necessarydifierential in speed to effect and maintain uniform stretching. When onceadjusted for a fabric of given character,

no further change need be made. In passing through the machine every inch of the fabric is subjected to the uniform lateral and longitudinal stretching to accomplish thepurpose described.

As an example of the application of the invention, a tubular rayon fabric was treated in the ordinary manner, i. e., the water was removed in a centrifugal and'the fabric was I I l 1 dried. It measured 62 yards. This fabric was again saturated and passed through wringer rollers under tension as hereinbefore described. The fabric was then dried and measured 66 yards. The fabric was again saturated and treated in the usual manner in 'a centrifugal and then "dried. It still measured 66 yards, showingthat the gain in yardage was permanent.

Another advantage of the invention is that the stretching of the fibres actually increases the tensile strength thereof. Elasticity is reduced, but the fibres are stronger and the fabric is correspondingly less liable to damage through the breaking or tearing of the threads. This is of special importance in connection with rayon fabrics because of the natural weakness of rayon fibre.

In the operation of the apparatus it is desirable to facilitate theintroduction of the fabric. Consequently I provide means for feeding the fabric from the propeller to the wringer rollers when the operation is initiated. F or this purpose vertical supports 66 are disposed above the propeller and are provided with connecting blocks 67 at the top of which the feeding device is pivoted. The

feeding device may consist of a shaft 68 journalled in extensions of the blocks 67.

provided with a narrow blade 72' with a serrated edge73.

The shaft 68, together with the arms 69, is adapted to rock, and I have provided means which normally tend to move the arms 09 toward the wringer rollers. In the particular deviceillustrated, there is an arm 74 fixed to the shaft 68 and provided with a weight 75 which is on one side of the axis of the shaft, so that this weight tends to .revolve the shaft 68 in a direction to cause the arms 69 to swing into the position shown in Fig. 13. A clip 76 on one of the arms 69 is adapted to engage a sleeve 77 on the upper shaft 10 (Fig. 12) to hold the arms 69 in retracted position. The fabric is threaded over the propeller, and the ends are slipped over the blades 72 and are caught on the serrated edges 73. The machine is then started. Rotation of the shaft 10 disengages the clip 76 and permits the arms to advance with the fabric under the influence of the ,operative position before the arms 69 advance and is then moved intoposition by the operator to engage and hold the arms 69 in retracted position until a new piece of fabric is introduced to the machine- The arms are then retracted'to engage the clip 76 with the sleeve 77 and the feeding operation is repeated.

- It is also desirable to facilitate the wind-,

ing of the fabric as it comes from the wringer rollers. For that purpose an endless belt 78 travels around pulleys 79 and 80, the upper run of this belt bein positioned to receive the fabric as it leaves the wringer rollers and to convey it to the winding roller. The pulley 79 is driven through a sprocket 7 9" and chain 81 from a sprocket 82 on the shaft 17. A roller 83 is provided with trunnions 84 which are adapted to engage the inclined surface of supports 85- When this roller is in its lowest position it rests against the belt 78 adjacent the rear pulley and as the fabric is wound on the roller 83 the trunnions 84: rise up along theinclined surface of the supports 85. The roller 83 is provided with means for automatically engaging the leading edge of the fabric to carry it around the roller. In the present embodiment the roller is provided with grooves 86in which a are mounted circumferential strips 87 of cloth upon itself in the form of a roll.

provided with closely arranged pins 88 proj ecting outwardly therefrom. a The ends of the pins 88 project slightly beyond the pe riphery of the roller 83 as shown in Fig. 17.

As the leading edge of the fabric leaves the wringer rollers it is guided by a lip 80' on to the belt 78 and the latter carries it along'untilthe end is touched by the {revolving winding roller 83, this roller being revolved by the belt 78 with which it contacts. The several pins 88 will engage the 6nd ofthe fabric and cause the latter to be picked up automatically so that it travels around the roller and is wound Thus it is unnecessary for an attendant to stand at'the delivery end of the machine and start the end of each strip of the fabric on the winding roller.

, The mechanism also avoids the folding of the fabric at the starting end and saves .a portion of the fabric which is ordinarily rendered unsuitablefor commercial use.

In the operation of the machine as described the operator first adjusts the propeller to distend the fabric to the required degree by introducing a stretching frame of the required The end of the fabric is then is automatically wound on the roller 83.

' 'J- slipped over the stretching frame and propeller. The side edges of the fabric are drawn forwardly and pass over the forward edges of the blades 72. The swinging arms 69 will be in the position shown in Fig. 1 and will be held temporarily in this position by engagement of the clip,76 to overcome the tendency of the weight 75 to move the arms 69. The power is then applied and the propeller commences to operate and propel the fabric. Simultaneously theleading edge of.

the fabric will be drawn by the arms 69 at a speed corresponding to that of the propeller. The flattened tube will pass over the guide rollers 58 and will be fed then into the bight of the wringer rollers. The rollers 57 are then moved to engage the fabric. The

wringer rollers will propel the fabric and the feeding device, having performed its function, is retracted. and will. remain inactive until another strip of fabric is threaded through the machine. It will be observed that the blades 72 may pivot to a slight extent so that the sharp blades may project accurately into the bight of the wringer rollers.

As the fabric is propelled between the wringer rollers itpasses onto the belt 78, and when the leading end reaches the roller 83 it is engaged thereby and is carried around the roller. Thereafter the fabric is wound in the form of a roll.

The fabric is first opened by the frame 44 preparatory to its assage over the propeller. From there the fa ric travels over the ropeller whichholds it distended or stretc ed, and at the same time it ispropelled-by rolling contact exerted both inside and outside the tubular fabric. The fabric then passes beof the spreading guide rollers 58. As the fabric passes from the wringer rollers, travels with the upper run of the belt 78 and The method and apparatus herein described are applicable to the treatment of fabrics in tubular form. These may .be knitted or woven' fabrics. Woven fabrics are not generally tubular as they come from the looms, but suc fabrics may be stitched in'tubular form for 5 treatment as described. After the fabrics are finished the stitching can be removed. The

benefits of the invention are thus'easily ,se-

cured, regardless: of the form-in which the goods are originally fabricated.

' Various changes maybe m'adein the details of the-procedure and in the apparatus em ployed without departing from the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof. -Iclaim:'- H

1 Themethod of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension while the fabric is wet and removing the major portionof the water while the fabric is under tension.

2. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal and trans major portion of the water by pressure while the fabric is under tension.

4. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension while the fabric is wet and removing the major portion of the water by rolling pressure while the fabric is under tension.

5. The method of treating tubulartextile fabric which comprises subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal and transverse tension while the fabric is wet and removing the major portion of the water by pressure while the fabric is under tension.

6. lhe method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises stretchin the fabric by regulated and uniform longitudinal tension while the fabric is wet and fixing the fabric in the stretched condition by pressure applied thereto while the fabric'is under tension.

7. The method of treating tubular textil fabricwhich comprises stretching the fabric by regulated and uniform longitudinal and transverse tension while the fabric is wet and fixing the fabric in the stretched condition by pressure applied thereto while the fabric is under tension.

8. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises propelling spaced transverse sections of the fabric positively at difi'erent linear speeds to maintain a uniform longitudinal tension in the fabric while it is wet and subjecting the fabric to pressure While under tension.

9. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises pro elling spaced transverse sections of the fabric positively at'difl'erent linear speeds to maintain a uniform longitudinal tension in the fabric while it is wet and removing the major portion of the water by pressure while the fabric is under tension. 2

10. The method of treatin tubular textile fabric which comprises distending the fabric while it is wet to predetermined transverse dimension, subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension and removin the major portion of the Water while the fa ric is under tension. j

11 The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises distending the fabric" while it is wet to predetermined transverse dimension, subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension and removing the major portion of the water by pressure while the fabric is under tension.

12. The method oftreating tubular textile fabric which comprises distending the fabric whileit is wet to predetermined transverse dimension, subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension and removing the major portion of the water byrolling pressure while the fabric is under tension. 1

13. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises distending the fabric while it is wet to predetermined transverse dimension, propelling spaced transverse sections of the fabric positively at difpositively, flattening the tubular fabric, propelling the flattened portion of the fabric at a speed slightly higher than that of the distended portion to maintain a regulated and uniform longitudinal tension in the fabric and removing the major portion of the water while the fabric is under tension.

15. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension while the fabric is ,Wet and removing the major portion of the water by'pressure while the fabric is under tension, the pressure being greater at the center than at the margins of thefabric so that the margins remain relaa tively moist.

16. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension While the fabric is wet and removing the major portion of the water by rolling pressure while the fabric is under tension, thepressure'being greaterat the center than at the margins of the fabric so that the margins remain relatively moist.

17. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises subjecting it to regulated and uniform longitudinal and transverse tension while the fabric is wet and removing the major portion of the water by pressure While the fabric is under tension, the pressure being greater at the center than at the margins of" the fabric so that the margins remain relatively moist.

18. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises propelling spaced transverse sections of the fabric positively at different linear speeds to maintain a uniform longitudinal tension in the fabric while it is wet and removingthe major portion of the water by pressure while the fabric is under tension, the pressure being reater at the center than at'the margins o the fabric so that the margins remain relatively moist.

19. The method of treating tubular textile fabric which comprises distending the fabric while it is wet to predetermined transverse dimensiom-strbjectingit to regulated and uniform longitudinal tension and removing the major portion of the Water by pressure while the fabric is under tension, the pressure being greater at the center than at the mar gins of the fabric so that the margins remain relatively fnoist.

20. The method of treating wet tubular textile fabric which comprises removing a portion of the moisture from the fabric, leaving the edges relatively more moist than the body of the fabric, and winding the fabric with the moist edges exposed.

21. The method of treating wet tubular textile fabric which comprises winding the fabric with exposed edges relatively more moist than the body of the fabric.

22. The method of treating'tubular textile fabric which comprises distending the fabric to predetermined transverse dimen- 'sion and positively propelling the upper and lower runs and the lateral edges of the fabric, the speed at the edges being-slightly in excess of the speed of the upper and lower runs. 23. The method of extracting moisture from tubular fabric which consists of positively propelling the fabric over a stretching and propelling head disposed within the traveling tube of fabric, and passing the tube of fabric between wringer rollers as it travels over said head, whereby the moisture is removed from the fabric by said wringer rollers, as it is distended by said head.

24. The method of extracting moisture from tubular fabric'which consists of positively propelling the fabric, while wet, over a propelling head disposed within the-traveling tube of fabric, said ead being adapted to hold the tube of fabric in stretched condition, and passing the tube of fabric as it leaves said head between wringer rollers wringer rollers.

whereby moisture removed from the stretched fabric by pressure exerted by said 25'. The method of extracting moisture from tubular fabric which consists of posltively. propelling the moist fabric over a pro pelling head lyingwithin the traveling tube of fabric, said propelling head being adapted to hold the fabric in expanded condition while passing thereover, and passing the fabric in the form of a flattened tube between wringer rollers as it leaves said head, whereby the moisture is removed from the fabric by pressure exerted by said wringer rollers.

26. The method of extracting moisture "from tubular fabric which consists of positively propelling the fabric over a stretching 27. A method of handling strips-of tubular fabric which consists of passing the fabric between wringer rollers in which greater pressure is exerted on the middle portion of the strip'of fabric than at the side portions thereof, and winding the fabric upon itself in the form of a roll, whereby the end portions of the roll contain a larger percentage of residual moisture than the central portion of the roll.

28. A machine for stretching and drying tubular fabric, comprising a propelling head having a frame carrying longitudinal and end rollers in relatively fixed relation adapted to lie within the tubular fabric while the latter travels thereover, other rollers external to the tubular fabric and co-operating with the rollers on the frame to propel the fabric continuously over said frame, and wringer rollers operating by rolling pressure on the tubular fabric as it travels over said propelling head, for pressing the moisture from the tubular fabric. h

29. A machine for stretching and drying tubular fabric, comprising a propelling heat] having a frame carrying longitudinal and end rollersin relativelyfixed relation adapted to lie within the tubular fabric while the lattertravels thereover, and adapted to expand the fabric to a predetermined circumand wringer rollers operating by rolling pressure on the tubular fabric as it leaves said propelling head, for pressing the moisture from the tubular fabric.

30. A machine for stretching and drying tubular fabric, comprising a stretching and propelling head carrying longitudinal 'and end rollers in relatively .fixed relation. over which the tubular fabric is propelled and expanded, co-operating wringer rollers netween 'whichthe fabric passes from said propelling head in the form of a flattened tube,

and means attached to said: ropelling head for spreading the tubular fa ric in the form of a flattened tube immediately in advance of said wringer rollers.

31. A machine for stretching and drying tubular fabric, comprising a spreading and propelling head carrying longitudinal and end rollers in relatively fixed relation over which the tubular fabric is adapted to be propelled with said head lying within the.

tubular fabric by wringer action, compris- 111g co-operating rollers adapted to press the fabric between them, at least one of said rollers being crowned, and so proportioned that a greater wringing pressure is exerted along the middle portion of the strip of fabric than the side portions thereof.

33. A device for removing moisture from fabric by wringer action, including co-operating rollers adapted to press the fabric between them, said rollers being crowned and so proportioned that the intermediate portion of the strip of fabric Will be treated to a greater rolling pressure than the side portions thereof.

34. In a device of the class described, a propelling head adapted to lie inside a traveling tube of fabric, including a frame composed of. telescoping sections adapted to be expanded and contracted, and having rollers thereon, rollers'exterior of the fabric and co-operating with the rollers of said head to hold the head and to propel the fabric thereover, a frame for opening I the fabric preparatory to its passage over said propelling head, and means on the frame of said propelling head with which said second mentioned frame co-operates to hold the frame of the propelling head in a predetermined. position of adjustment.

I In a device of the class described, a propelling head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling. fabric, and including a frame composed of telescoping sections adapted to be expanded-and contracted, and having rollers thereon, rollers exterior of the fabric and (re-operating with the rollers of said head to hold the head and propel the fabric thereover, engaging means on the sections of sa d frame, and a frame for opening the fabric prcpa ratoryto its passage over said head, said expanding frame being pivotally mounted on said engaging members of said propelling head frame-and adapted to hold said latter frame in a predetermined position of adjustment.

36. In a device of. the class described, a propelling head adapted toilie inside a tube memes of traveling fabric, including a frame composed-of sections adapted to be expanded and contracted, and having rollers thereon, rollers exterior of the fabric and co-operating with the rollers of said head to propel the fabric over said head, members on said frame members having sockets in the frame for opening the fabric preparatory to its passage over said head, said frameineluding a bar ha'vin peripheral grooves, the grooved portions 0 said bar being adapted to seat in said sockets whereby said bar holds the frame of the propelling head in predetermined position of adjustment.

37. In a device of the class described, means rollers to which the fabric is adapted to be fed, movable means for conducting the leading end of the fabric from said propelling means, and adapted to feed it into the bight of said rollers and means for automatically releasing the conducting means.

38. In a device of the class described, means for propelling a strip of fabric, co-operating rollers to which the fabric is adapted to be fed, movable feeding means or conducting the leading end of the fabric from said propelling means and adapted to feed'it into the bight of said rollers, gravity means for moving saidfeeding means in the direction of motion of the fabric and means for automatically releasing. the ravity means.

39. In a device of the c ass described, means for propcllin a strip of fabric, cooperating rollers to which the fabric is adapted to be fed. movable feeding means for conducting the leading'end of the fabric from said pro )elling means and adapted to be fed into the ight of said rollers, and means for moving said feeding means in the direction of motion of the fabric, said moving means being resistible whereby the movement of said feeding means is controlled by the speed of delivery of the fabric from said propelling means.

40. In adevice of the class described, means for propelling a strip of fabric, co-operating rollers to which the fabric is adapted to befed movable feeding means for carrying the leading end of the fabric and for presenting it into the bight of said rollers, gravity means for moving said feeding means toward said 1 rollers and means for automatically releasing the gravity means.

for propelling a strip of fabric and co-operating rollers to which the fabric is adapted to befedfmeans for conveying the leading end of the fabric and presenting it into the bight of said rollers, including members having sharp edges adapted to enter the bight. of

matically taken by said rollersand means for automatically releasing the conveying means.

'1 42. In a device of the class described, means for propelling a strip of fabric, co-operating 41. In a device of the class described, means 7 said rollers whereby the fabric will be auto 80 for propelling a strip of fabric, co-operating rollers to which the fabricis adapted to befed, and means for carrying the leading end of the fabric from said propelling means and for feeding the same into the bight'of said rollers, comprising movable means having fabric engaging members provided with sharp edges adapted to be projected into the bight of said rollers, said fabric engaging members being pivotally mounted on said movable means. v

43. In a device of the class described means for propelling a strip of fabric, co-operating rollers to which the fabric is adapted to be fed, and means for carrying the leading end of the fabric from said pro elling means and for delivering it into the ight of said roll ers, comprising a pivotal support, and members pivoted thereon and havin sharp edges over which the fabric is adapte tobe placed, said edges being adapted to guide the fabric into the bight of said rollers.

44. In adevice of the class described, means for propelling a strip of fabric, co-operating rollers to which the fabricis adapted to be fed, and means for carrying the leading end of the fabric from said propelling means and to feed it into the bight of said rollers comprising a movable support, fabric engaging members disposed at the sides of the path of the fabric and having means to be engaged by the fabric, said fabric holding members being adapted to guide the fabric into the. bight of said rollers.

45. In a device of the class described, a propelling head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means exterior of the fabric and co-operating with said head to hold the head in position and to propel thefabric thereover, co-operating rollers to which the fabric is fed from said propelling head, and means for conveyingthe leading end of the fabric from the propelling head into the bight of said-rollers, including movable means with which the fabric is adapted to beengaged, said movable means. being adapted to present the fabric into the big'ht of said rollers, whereby the propulsion of. the fabric will be taken up thereby. v

46. In a device of the class described, means for propelling a strip of fabric, co-operating rollers to which the fabric is adapted to be fedfiand means for carrying the leading end of the fabric from said propelling means to said rollers, including movable means having fabric engaging members thereon'with which the end of the fabric is adapted to be engaged, said fabric engaging members being disposed at the sides of the path of the fabric and adapted to guide the fabric into the bight of said rollers, the fabric being adaptedto disengage from said fabric enga 'ng members when its propulsion has been t' up by said A rollers. g ",j

j 47. In a device of the class described, means for propelling a strip of a fabric, coeoperating rollers to receive the fabric-from the propelling means, and means for guidingfthe leading end of the fabric from said propelling means to said rollers, comprising a movable support and means for urging said support to move in the direction of the movement of the fabric, and releasable means for holding said support'positioned adjacent the propelling means, said support having fabric engaging members adapted to guide the fabric into the bight ofsaid rollers. v

48. In a device of the class described, means for propelling a strip of fabric, including revolvable means, rollers to receive the fabric from said propelling means, and means for feeding the leading end of the fabric from said propelling means into said rollers, comprising a movable support, and means for urging it in the direction of movement of the fabric, a resilient arm movable with said support, and a revolvable meinberoperable with said propelling means, andvengaging said arm to hold said support adjacent the propelling nieans,'and adapted to release said arm upon the operation of said propelling means.

49. In a device of the class described, cooperating rollers to the bight of which fabric is adapted to be fed for the passage of the I fabric between said rollers, movable means for conducting the leading end of the fabric and feeding it into the bight of said rollers,

.and means for automatically releasing the movable means.

50. A device for handling tubular fabric,

tube of traveling fabric and including pairs of revolvable members, the members of fach including means adapted to lie inside of a pair being relatively adjustable in the d rections of their axes, andmeans exterior of the. tubular fabric having revolvable means co operating with the revolvable members 1n-' side the tubular fabric for supporting said interior means and propelling the fabric t-hereover, by positive inside and outside rolling pressure acting substantially throughout the circumference of the fabric. 7

51. A device for handling tubular fabric including means adapted to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric and including a frame, revolvable members arranged in said fra in pairs, the members of each pair being relatively adjustable in the directions of their axes, and means eiiterior of the tubular fabric having revolvable means co-operating to engage the fabric between the interior and'exterior revolvable means, said interior revolving means being operated by rolling action by said exterior revolving means.

' 527A device for handling tubular fabric, including-means adapted :to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric and including a frame, spaced, parallel revolvable rollers over which the fabric is adapted to travel mounted in said frame in pairs, the members of each pair being relatively adjustable in the directions of their axes, and means exterior of the tubular fabric including. a roller lying between and co-operating with said in t grior rollers to drive the latter and to prevent the travel of the interior means with the fabric, said exterior roller lying parallel with said interior roller.

53. A device for stretching tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric and including a frame, revolvable members thereon arranged in pairs, the members of each pair being rela tively adjustable in the directions of their axes and means exterior of the tubular fabric having revolvable means engaging with said interior revolving means for operating the latter to propel the fabric by rolling contact.

p 54. A, device for handling tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric and including a frame, longitudinal rollers thereon, end roll- I frame, upper and lower pairs of rollers mounted in said frame, the rollers of each pair being relatively adjustabld in the directions of'their axes,, and means exterior of the tubular fabric having revolvable rollers engaging between the said upper and lowerpairs of rollers and co-operating therewith to propel the fabric by rolling contact.

55. A device for handling tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric and including a frame, longitudinal rollers thereon, end rollers on said frame adjacent the ends of said longitudinal rollers, and means exterior o the tubular fabric co-operating with said longitudinal rollers to propel the fabric over said interior device.

56. A device for handling tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside ofa tube of traveling fabric and including a ers disposed at right angles to said longitudinal rollers adjacent the outer ends of said longitudinal rollers, and means exterior of the tubular fabric co-operating with said longitudinal rollers to propel the fabric over said interior means. 1

57. A device for handling tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric, including a frame, horizontally disposed rollers, end'rollers disposed at right' angles to and adjacent the outor ends of said longitudinal rollers and adapted to be driven'by said longitudinalrollers,

' and means exterior of the tubular fabric, having revolvable means co-operating withsaid longitudinalrollers for propelling the fabric over said interior means.

58. A device for handling tubular fabric,

. including means adapted to'lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, including a frame, longitudinal rollers journaled in said frame, means exteriorof the tubular fabric and co-operating with saidinterior rollers for propelling 1,reo,eee

the fabric, end rollers on said interior device and means for propelling said end -rollers whereby their peripheral speed-will be greater than the peripheral speed of said longitudinal rollers. e p

59. Adevice forhandling tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, including a frame, longitndinal rollers on said frame, end rollers on said frame operated from said-longitudinal rollers so that the peripheral speed of the ends rollers Will be greater than the peripheral speed'of the longitudinal rollers, and means exterior of the tubular fabric, including rollers cooperating with said longitudinal rollers to propel the fabric.

60. A device for handling tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric and including a frame having revolvable members thereon and re volvable means exterior of the tubular fabric co-operating with the revolving members inside the tubular fabric for supporting said interior means and propelling the fabric thereover, the frame of said interior means comprising telescopmg sections adapted to be expanded and contracted toadapt said I bers inside the tubular fabric for supporting said interior means andpropelling' the fabric thereover.

62. A device for handling tubular fabric, including means adapted to lie inside of a tube of traveling fabric and including a frame comprising telescoping sections adapted to be expanded and contracted to adapt the de vice for stretching fabric to difierent sizes and having revolvable members thereon and revolvable means exterior of the tubular fabric co-operating to engage the fabric between the exterior and interior revolvable members,

said interior revolvable members being operated by rolling action by said exterior revolving means.

63. A device for handling tubular fabric, including a frame adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, said frame comprising telescoping sections adapted to be expanded and contracted to adapt the device for stretching fabric'to different sizes, parallel,

revolvable rollers on said frame over which the fabric is adapted. to travel, and means exterior of the tubular fabric including a roll er lying between and. co-operatingwith said interior rollers to drive the latter and to, prevent the travel of the interior means with he fabric said exterior'rollers lying paralincluding means adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric. includinga frame composed of expanding and contracting members, longitudinal rollers comprising sections mounted respectively on the members of the frame, end rollers on said frame disposed at right angles to said longitudinal rollers and adapted to be moved toward and from each other upon the adjustment of said frame, and means exterior of the tubular fabric and cooperating with said longitudinal rollers to propel the fabric over said interior means.

66. A device for handling tubular fabric, including a frame adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, said frame consisting of expanding and contracting sections, horizontally disposed rollers on said frame, end rollers on said frame disposed at right angles to said longitudinal rollers and means whereby said end rollers are driven by said longitudinal rollers, said end rollers being adapted to move toward and from each other with the frame sections, and revolvable means exterior of the tubular fabric co-operating with said longitudinal rollers" for propelling the fabric over said interior means.

67. A device for handling tubular fabric, including a frame adapted to lie inside-a tube of traveling fabric and including end plates and connecting members adapted to be expanded andcontracted, longitudinal rollers ournaled in said end plates, end rollers projecting beyond said end plates and arranged at right angles to said longitudinal rollers .and adapted to be moved toward and from each other with the adjustment of the frame, means whereby said end rollers are operated from said longitudinal rollers, and means exterior of the tubular fabric co-operating with said longitudinal rollers to propel the fabric over said interior means.

(38. A device .for handling tubular fabric, including a frame adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, composed of sections adapted to be expanded-and contracted, longitudinal rollers on said'frame composed of sections adapted to move toward and from each other with the adjustment of said frame, and revolvable means lyingoutside the tube of fabric and co-operating with said interior rollers to propel the fabric over said stretching device.

69. A device for handling tubular fabric, including a frame adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric and composed of sections adapted to be expanded and contracted, parallel, longitudinal rollers on said frame composed of a plurality of sections arranged in axial alignment, said sections being adapted to be moved toward and from each other with the contraction and expansion of said framemembers, and revolvable means exterior of the tubular fabric and co-operating with said,

interior rollers for propelling the fabric over said stretching device.

70. A device for handling tubular fabric, including a frame .adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric and composed of sections adapted to be expanded and contracted,

longitudinal rollers mounted on'said frame and composed of alignedsections adapted to be moved toward and from each other with the adjustment of said frame sections, and end rollers projecting from said frame and disposed at right angles to said longitudinal rollers and adapted to be moved toward and from each other with the adjustment of the frame sections, and revolvable means exterior of the fabric co-operating with said longitudinal rollers to propel the fabric over said stretching device.

71. A device-for handling tubular fabric,'

including a propelling head carrying longitudinal and end rollers in relatively 'fixed relation adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, other rollers arranged outside the tube of fabric and co-operating with the roll-' ers of said propelling head to propel the fabric over said head, co-operating rollers between which the flattened tube of fabric is adapted to be passed after traveling over said propelling head, and means mounted'on said propelling head for distending the fabric into a flattened tube and for guiding the same adjacent said co-operating rollers.

72. A device for handling tubular fabric, including a propelling head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, including a frame carrying longitudinal and end roll-' ers in relatively fixed relation, other rollers arranged outside the tube of fabric, co-operating with the rollers of said head to propel the fabric over said head, pressing rollers adapted to press the flattened tube of fabric after itis passed over said propelling head. and means attached to said propelling head and lying inside the tube of fabric, adapted to distend the fabric in the form of a fiattened tube and to guide the same adjacent said pressing rollers, said means being supported out of contact with' saidpressing rollers. I

73. A device for handlingtubularv fabric, including a propelling head carrying longitudinal and end rollers in relatively fixed relation adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means for propelling the tubular fabric over said head, and a curved guiding mem- 5 her mounted on said propelling head and adapted to act in adyance thereof to distend the tubular fabric preparatory to its passage onto said propelling head.

74. A device for handling tubular fabric, including a propelling head carryin longitudinal and end rollers in relatively xed relation adapted to lie inside a tube of travel ing fabric and engaging the inner surface of the fabric, rollers exterior of the tube of fabi ric co-operating with the rollers on said head to propel the fabric over said head and means carried by said propelling head for expanding the fabric preparator to its passage onto said propelling head an adapted to control the tension of the fabric while propelled by said propelling head.

75. A device for handling tubular fabric, comprising means adapted to lie inside of a' traveling tube of fabric, including a frame,

longitudinal rollers thereon for engaging the fabric, end rollers projecting from said frame to engage the fabric, gears for transmitting the motion of said longitudinal rollers to said end rollers, whereby the end rollers are op- 7' erated at a greater peripheral speed than the longitudinal rollers, and revolvable means exterior of the fabric and co-operating with said longitudinal rollers for propelling the fabric. 76. In a device of the class described, a propelling head adapted tolie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means outside the tubular fabric for exerting rolling pressure thereon to hold the propelling head stationary and to propel the fabric thereover, said propelling head including a telescoping frame composed of sections adapted to be expanded and contracted and means adapted to be operated ex- "teriorly of the tubular fabric to adjust the propelling head whereby it is adapted for fabrics of diiferent sizes.

77. Ina device of the class described, a

/ propelling head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means outside the tubular fabric for exerting rolling ressure thereon to hold the propelling hea stationary and to propel the fabric thereover, said propelling head including'a telescoping frame composed of sections adapted to be extended and contracted and means adapted to be operated exteriorly of the tubular fabric While the fabric is traveling over the head to adjust the frame of the propelling head and to adapt 'it for fabrics of different sizes.

1'60 78. In a device of the class described, a

propelling head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means outs de the tubular fabric for exerting rolling pressure thereon to hold the prgpelling head stationany and to propel the abric thereover, said .79. In a device of the ,class described, a

propelling head adapted to lie'inside a tube of traveling fabric, means'outside the tubular fabric for exerting rolling pressure thereon to hold the propelling head stationary and to propel the fabric thereover, the

propelling head including a telescoping frame composed of sections adapted to beexpanded and contracted, springs on said head tending to expand the frame and means adapted to be operated exteriorly of the tubular fabric to contract the frame in opposition to the springs.

80. In a device of the class described, a I

propelling head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means outside the tubular fabric for exerting rolling pressure thereon to-hold the propelling head stationary and to propelthe fabric thereover, the

propelling head including a telescoping" frame composed of sections adapted to be expanded and contracted, and means includ in g a roller ada ted to be operated exteriorly of the tubular abric to adjust the frame of the propelling head and to adapt it for fabrics of different sizes.

81. In a device of the class described, a propelling head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means outside the tubular fabric for exerting rolling pressure thereon to hold the propelling head stationary and to propel t e fabric thereover, the propelling head including a telescoping frame composed of sections adapted to be expanded and contracted, said frame having rollers, springs tending to expand the frame, and means adapted to be operated exteriorly of the tubular fabric, and including a roller adapted to press on a roller of the propelling head in opposition to sald spring whereby the frame of the propelhng head is adjusted to accommodate fabrics of different sizes.

82. In a device of the class described, a.v propelllng head adapted to lie inside a tube of traveling fabric, means outside the t-ubular fabric for exerting rolling pressure thereon to hold the propelling head station ary and to propel the fabric thereover, said propelhng head including a telescoping frame composed of sections adapted tobe expanded and contracted, spring means tending to expand said frame and means adapted to be operatedexteriorly of the fabric and to apply opposing-pressures to opposite sides of the frame 111 oppositl on to said spring means.

In a device of the class described, a propelhng head adapted to lie inside a tube of 

